Celtic will be among the first clubs to observe a minute’s silence as a mark of respect following the passing of Queen Elizabeth.
And Ange Postecoglou ’s side will also wear black armbands in Wednesday evening’s Champions League showdown with Shakhtar Donetsk. The Scottish champions’ game against Livingston last Saturday was postponed along with the rest of professional football in the UK as the country mourned the death of Her Majesty.
Football was given the green light to restart this week, although still some matches have been postponed as the police forces in Britain struggle to carry out their duties. Celtic’s encounter in Poland will go ahead, though, as will Rangers vs Napoli although it was pushed back by 24 hours – again because of the demands on the police. And all matches featuring UK sides will have what UEFA call "moments of silence" before kick-off with armbands also being worn.
The marks of respect don’t end there though for our teams playing their games at home. Record Sport on Monday night revealed UEFA have instructed clubs there should be no Champions League theme tune played, nor other associated branding such as the tournament’s logo in the centre circle.
A UEFA statement read: "In commemoration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the following will take place for matches involving UK teams as the home team during the pre-match ceremony: No centre-circle/pitch banners/arch, No UEFA Champions League anthem, Moment of silence/black armbands, No pre-match sponsor activations/player mascots. Additionally, the following will take place for matches involving UK teams as the away team during the pre-match ceremony: Moment of silence/black armbands."
The SFA yesterday confirmed SPFL clubs have a variety of ways to honour the Queen when the domestic action begins again on Saturday such as a period of silence and or play the National Anthem just ahead of kick-off.
